Diabetes Is a Chronic Disease in Which Your Body Does Not Produce Enough Insulin Or

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which your body does not produce enough insulin or

is unable to properly use the insulin that it does produce. Insulin is a hormone that is

necessary to change sugars, starches, and other food into an energy source that can

be used by your body. When glucose is unable to be absorbed by cells, it accumulates in the blood stream creating high blood glucose levels. Over a period of time, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause complications

such as:

•  Blindness

•  Kidney failure

•  Heart attacks

•  Strokes

•  Serious infections

Types of Diabetes:

There are three major types of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes: The body fails to produce the insulin needed for cells to absorb glucose.

Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the body failing to properly use insulin that it

produces.

Gestational Diabetes: Onset that is a result of pregnancy.

Risks for Diabetes

You may be at higher risk to develop diabetes if you:

·  Make unhealthy food choices

·  Are overweight

·  Are over 40 years old

·  Are inactive

·  Are of Latino, African American, Native American, or Asian descent

·  Have high blood pressure

·  Have family members that have Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms of Diabetes

Are you:

·  Tired?

·  Hungry?

·  Thirsty?

·  Losing weight?

Do you:

·  Need to urinate often?

·  Have blurry vision?

·  Have frequent skin or genital infections?

·  Have slow-healing cuts?

·  Have a numb or tingling feeling in your feet?

1 in 400 teens are diagnosed with Diabetes

While it used to be that children or teenagers diagnosed with diabetes had type 1 diabetes, there has been a significant increase in type 2 diabetes in these age groups in recent years.

Reasons for Onset of the Youth:

Making unhealthy food choices

Overweight

Little or no exercise

Have family members that have type 2 diabetes

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in U.S. kids and teens, especially in those who are overweight. Some studies report that between 8% and 45% of children who've been newly diagnosed with diabetes have type 2.

Approximately 18.2 million American citizens have diabetes, including 210,000 individuals younger than age 20.

Take Care of Yourself

Remember to check your blood pressure if you have diabetes.

If you don’t have any type of diabetes, maintain a healthy diet and weight.

As for kids, continue to exercise, and eat right.

EAT RIGHT. EXERCISE. ENJOY LIFE.

The Project

Our team is a part of Ms. Trombley’s 8th grade CSL (Community Service Learning) project.

Specials thanks to:

Mrs. Mary Jo Koizumi, Kim Talbot RN, LDN Hallmark Health, and Mr. Gillis

Are You at Risk?